Ayoub Lguirati Sets Gunung Geulis East Course Record at Indonesia Pro-Am

Lguirati Leads Individual Competition with Record Round

Morocco’s Ayoub Lguirati recorded a new course record on the East Course at Gunung Geulis Country Club. He carded a nine-under-par 62 during the opening round of The Indonesia Pro-Am. This score marks a new benchmark for an Asian Development Tour (ADT) event held on the East Course. Naoki Sekito previously held the ADT record with an eight-under-par 62 in 2019.

Lguirati’s performance places him atop the individual leaderboard. The Indonesia Pro-Am, now in its fourth year, commenced this week. It features 98 teams, each comprising one professional and one amateur player. The event is staged across both the West and East Courses at Gunung Geulis. This year's competition offers a prize fund of US$125,000. It is Indonesia’s largest Pro-Am event.

Two Teams Share Pro-Am Lead

The Pro-Am team competition shows two pairings sharing the lead after the first round. Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, partnered with Indonesian amateur Matthew Wanandi, finished 13-under-par. Waris Manthorn, also from Thailand, and his amateur partner Steven Dirga Setya, achieved the same score. These two teams hold a two-stroke advantage over their closest rivals.

Four other teams are tied for third place at 11-under-par. These include Ayoub Lguirati with amateur Alvin Wahyudi. Nguyen Nhat Long of Vietnam and amateur Agus Budiman are also in this group. Kelvin Si from Macau, playing with Gani Arieldi, and Liu Yung Hua of Korea, paired with John Baey, complete the T3 group.

The event's structure sees teams competing across the Gunung Geulis West and East Courses on alternate days. This ensures all participants experience both layouts during the tournament. The combined professional and amateur scores determine the team standings.

Lguirati's Career-Best Score

Ayoub Lguirati's record-setting round on the East Course included nine birdies and no bogeys. The 32-year-old Moroccan commented on his performance, stating satisfaction with his play. He also credited his caddie, Mohsen, for their effective strategy on the course. Lguirati described the 62 as his career-best competitive score in a tournament.

This score on the East Course is notable for its challenging layout. Following Lguirati, two American players occupy the next positions on the individual leaderboard. Tim Nielsen posted an eight-under-par 63, one shot behind the leader. Nathan Han recorded a seven-under-par 64, placing him third. Seven other golfers are tied for fourth place, each scoring 65, six-under-par. This group includes Indonesia’s Kevin Caesario Akbar. His strong start places him among the top contenders.

Defending Champion Akbar Makes Strong Start

Indonesia’s Kevin Caesario Akbar, the defending champion of The Indonesia Pro-Am, opened his campaign with a six-under-par 65. This score places him in a tie for fourth position. Akbar’s round on the West Course featured a significant turnaround on the back nine. He made three birdies and an eagle during this stretch. This followed an earlier birdie on the front nine.

Akbar stated his play was solid, emphasising patience on the West Course. He noted the course's potential for high scores if errors occur. His eagle on the 16th hole, from a long putt, was a pivotal moment. The professional described this as his turning point, contributing significantly to his score. The US$125,000 prize fund adds further incentive for players like Akbar.

Gunung Geulis Hosts Significant Asian Pro-Am

The strong field and record-breaking play at Gunung Geulis Country Club demonstrate the course's quality. This event highlights its suitability for professional competition in Asia. For travelling golfers considering Indonesia, the tournament showcases the playing conditions. Gunung Geulis Country Club, situated near Bogor, offers two distinct layouts.

Its capacity to host significant professional events like this Pro-Am is clear. The Pro-Am format also provides a unique opportunity for amateurs to compete alongside professionals. This raises the profile of Indonesian golf within the region. Future editions may attract even more international players.

Golfers planning a trip to the region may consider the club based on this exposure. Details on green fees, caddie services, and booking access are available directly from the club, typically requiring advance reservations.